Rangers' hot July sparks AL West battle at the MLB trade deadline

The Texas Rangers postseason push after the All-Star Break has been nothing but impressive after spending the first half in the basement, but it has now Seattle and Houston to attempt to kick us back down there.

Entering the break with a 48-49 record had fans ready to tear it down. A 9-3 run since then has Texas at a 57-52 record has fans and the front office locked back in for the long haul.

The only downside has been how it has seemingly shifted the Mariners and Astros into another gear. Outside of the San Diego Padres, the most impactful buyers have those two.

The Astros once again circled back for old talent in Carlos Correa along with Ramon Urias, and Jesus Sanchez. They feel threatened for their seat at the head of the AL West table and are trying to maintain the throne.

Seattle sees the window wide open and went out and acquired Eugenio Suarez, Josh Naylor, and Caleb Ferguson. This boosts their lineup to levels they just weren't at before and gives them a chance at the division.

While both teams were without a doubt buying, this seems like a little much. If there were only a two man race in the West then there likely wouldn't be this big of a deadline for the two.

Keeping the Rangers out of the race in 2025 is key to both of these teams but won't be without the challenges of styming the Rangers' new and improved rotation.

Starting with Jacob deGrom, Nathan Eovaldi and now Merrill Kelly, Texas will then be able turn to Patrick Corbin, Jacob Latz, Jack Leiter or Kumar Rocker to give any team a run for their money in October.

The Rangers offense is returning to form and seemingly only need four to win essentially any game. The pitching has been sensational and while the bats leave a lot to be desired, they are looking to be just enough right now.

This division is heating up. There can easily be a three team race all to the playoffs with none of them missing it. It is hard to see the future but it seems to be all up across the AL West.

Buying at the alarming rate it has been this deadline can cause ramifications down the line. All that matters to the big 3 in the AL West is this year.